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Santa Claus is coming to the city

Santa Claus is coming to the City of Cold Lake, and he's bringing the holiday spirit with him. On Friday, Nov. 30, residents will flock to main street for the annual Santa Claus Parade starting at 6 p.m.
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This year’s Cold Lake Santa Claus Parade will be Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. on main street.

Santa Claus is coming to the City of Cold Lake, and he's bringing the holiday spirit with him.

On Friday, Nov. 30, residents will flock to main street for the annual Santa Claus Parade starting at 6 p.m.

Community events programmer for the city, Ami Baillie, noted there's a new aspect to this year's event.

"We're actually adding in a float contest this year... Floats will be judged on a series of criteria. We're going to do an award for a for-profit organization and one for a non-profit organization," she explained.

Entries will be judged during the parade, and an announcement will be made afterwards for who won in each category.

The winners will receive a certificate and $250 to donate to the charity of their choice.

"It's a great opportunity for us to support other companies and organizations to give back to the community through the non-profits that they choose to support with their award winnings," said Baillie, adding the contest was added to get "people to think outside of the box" when it came to their floats, and to have a little more fun with the creative aspects of their designs.

"Hopefully, it will encourage participation and creativity next year once people hear about the contest."

While registration for the contest has closed, organizations are still welcome to be part of the parade.

"We aren't going to turn anyone away... They do have to let us know in advance, even if they submit the morning of," detailed Baillie.

So far, around 50 organizations have signed up.

As the kick-off event of the holiday season for the city, the parade has been well-attended over the years.

"The parade is probably our easiest event to do because of the community buy-in," explained Svea Pinch recreation programmer for Cold Lake. "It's the season, it's a good kick-off to get Christmas going, and I think people enjoy it for that reason."

Another addition to the parade this year will be an after party at the Energy Centre, which Baillie sees as a great way for people to get out of the cold that night.

The event will feature cookie decorating, bouncy castles, free public skating, and some carolers singing for those in attendance.

As this is Baillie's first winter in Cold Lake, she's excited to see the night come together.

"This will also be my first parade I've participated in that's happening at night, which I think adds a little extra festivities to it all. All of the city lights will be lit up for the event, so it's a little bit different than what you would experience on a Sunday afternoon," she said.

To register for the event, visit coldlake.com to download the form or pick up a copy from the Energy Centre or city hall.

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